Tai Po Market MTR circular via Tai Mei Tuk
Join the crowds at the weekend along the Tolo Harbour bike path as Hong Kong comes out to play. The reward is the exceptional route along Bridespool Road, a favourite route for serious cyclists. Stop for a chat with them while stocking up with a full English breakfast at a roadside cafe before getting as close as the cyclist can to mainland China.
The basicsRating: B2
Distance: 37km approx. (9.5km + 28.8km) Starts: Tai Po Market MTR Exit B Ends: Tai Po Market MTR Exit B, or return via cycle path from Tai Mei Tuk Urban/rural/mixed: 30/40/30% (note the mixed area is largely a cycle path running alongside major roads) Surface: Excellent. Cycle path up to Tai Mei Tuk and then good road all the way to Fanling. Cycle path then back to Tai Po, but with several construction projects along the way. There are also several bridges to cross. Difficulty of navigation: Very easy except for the route back from Fanling if you choose to use the cycle path. |
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Map and elevation
The route is split into two maps, the first from Tai Po Market MTR to Tai Mei Tuk and the second from Tai Mei Tuk to Tai Po Market MTR via Fanling. Note the route around Fanling was experimental. It cuts out road riding through Fanling but does require cycling on pavements at times.
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The details
The route starts at Exit B of Tai Po MTR because it is easier to access via the cycle path than Exit A.
From Exit B, follow the cycle path in the direction that doesn't immediately enter a subway. Join the cycle path and largely follow the route signs for Tai Po Waterfront, but pick up the pink signs for Tai Mei Tuk when you see them.
From here, the cycle path largely goes alongside the road but is a separate track, rather than a painted road space. The route is clearly marked for Tai Mei Tuk throughout. At the end, it's possible to head up to and over the Plover Cove reservoir dam, but there is no road cycling permitted on the other side so it's largely just a pleasant view.
At Tai Mei Tuk, those who are not comfortable with road cycling can return to Tai Po Market MTR via the same route.
For those continuing on, Bride's Pool Road is perhaps the New Territories' nicest road. It is quiet, green, and there are few buses or lorries that use the route. Speeding cars can be an issue but the lack of sharp turns means you will generally know when they are coming. There are several small villages that are pleasant to visit including, of course, the Bridespool itself - but you'll need to leave your bike at the road.
When you see a series of fishing ponds on the left (after a 2km downhill stretch) look out to the right on the corner ahead for the cafe which provides a nice view across the water. If you prefer a full English breakfast, follow the road to the left and at the sharp right turn stop at the first cafe for a slap up breakfast.
Continue along the road, which at times becomes single track. Be careful - cars continue to drive fast along here despite not having enough room to allow you to pass as well. You will be passing through some mangroves so there are lots of nice opportunities for pictures of the view across the water to the Chinese mainland.
When the road ends at the T junction, either turn right to go up to visit the border (no passage allowed, and no return road except the way you came), or turn left towards Fanling. This is a busy road used heavily by lorries. However, it is wide and cyclists are common. There is also a wide pavement for those who are very uncomfortable with battling for road space, but it is frequently used by pedestrians.
On the approach to Fanling, the route that is mapped above makes use of several walkways to avoid going to the centre. Alternatively, keep going along the main roads and turn left at the major roundabout. You are looking for a cycle path that comes off the left hand side. From here, it is cycle path all the way to Tai Po. However, this is an unpleasant route with little to see and the sense of being in a construction site - a sense that is literally true at times. Be aware that you will need to cross over several bridges to follow the cycle path all the way.
On reaching Tai Po, keep following signs to Tai Po Waterfront and eventually join the road you originally used to get out of Tai Po. From here the MTR is a short ride away.
From Exit B, follow the cycle path in the direction that doesn't immediately enter a subway. Join the cycle path and largely follow the route signs for Tai Po Waterfront, but pick up the pink signs for Tai Mei Tuk when you see them.
From here, the cycle path largely goes alongside the road but is a separate track, rather than a painted road space. The route is clearly marked for Tai Mei Tuk throughout. At the end, it's possible to head up to and over the Plover Cove reservoir dam, but there is no road cycling permitted on the other side so it's largely just a pleasant view.
At Tai Mei Tuk, those who are not comfortable with road cycling can return to Tai Po Market MTR via the same route.
For those continuing on, Bride's Pool Road is perhaps the New Territories' nicest road. It is quiet, green, and there are few buses or lorries that use the route. Speeding cars can be an issue but the lack of sharp turns means you will generally know when they are coming. There are several small villages that are pleasant to visit including, of course, the Bridespool itself - but you'll need to leave your bike at the road.
When you see a series of fishing ponds on the left (after a 2km downhill stretch) look out to the right on the corner ahead for the cafe which provides a nice view across the water. If you prefer a full English breakfast, follow the road to the left and at the sharp right turn stop at the first cafe for a slap up breakfast.
Continue along the road, which at times becomes single track. Be careful - cars continue to drive fast along here despite not having enough room to allow you to pass as well. You will be passing through some mangroves so there are lots of nice opportunities for pictures of the view across the water to the Chinese mainland.
When the road ends at the T junction, either turn right to go up to visit the border (no passage allowed, and no return road except the way you came), or turn left towards Fanling. This is a busy road used heavily by lorries. However, it is wide and cyclists are common. There is also a wide pavement for those who are very uncomfortable with battling for road space, but it is frequently used by pedestrians.
On the approach to Fanling, the route that is mapped above makes use of several walkways to avoid going to the centre. Alternatively, keep going along the main roads and turn left at the major roundabout. You are looking for a cycle path that comes off the left hand side. From here, it is cycle path all the way to Tai Po. However, this is an unpleasant route with little to see and the sense of being in a construction site - a sense that is literally true at times. Be aware that you will need to cross over several bridges to follow the cycle path all the way.
On reaching Tai Po, keep following signs to Tai Po Waterfront and eventually join the road you originally used to get out of Tai Po. From here the MTR is a short ride away.